About 181 000 permanent employment opportunities have been created through the Working-for-Water Programme.

The programme was first launched 19 years ago by then Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Kader Asmal. The programme forms part of an overall integrated weed management programme, where bio-control is seen working alongside traditional chemical and mechanical control methods.

“The programme is an example of integrating environmental conservation and poverty eradication objectives. It gives us an opportunity as government to reflect on the success stories we have achieved in implementing programmes that make a difference in people’s lives while saving the environment,” says Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa.

The campaign is linked to invasive plant control initiatives by countries such as Australia and New Zealand as well as to the broader Global Invasive Species Programme.

Molewa explains that the focus of this year’s campaign is the clearing of water weeds, specifically water hyacinth in the Nooitgedacht/Morula Sun dam and other water systems in the country.

“It is important to note that this year marks the centenary of biological control research and implementation in South Africa. This milestone was showcased at an international symposium held in the Kruger National Park earlier this year,” she adds.